MobiHealthNews released a comprehensive infographic on physician use of the iPad, a distillation of their report on the issue.

The iPad has been covered previously on this site. The form factor holds tremendous potential, as this Dartmouth physician noted, “the iPad offers a ‘low profile’ that doesn’t seem intimidating to patients during exams.” That’s especially important as it can allow doctors to maintain eye contact with their patients, versus the more intrusive laptop.

The bottom line remains, however: it’s all about the apps.  Especially those that interact with patient electronic medical records is where the iPad holds the most promise.  Software will be the major determinant in how quickly physicians will take to Apple’s tablet.

Furthermore, young doctors need embrace it. That’s starting already, with some medical schools giving their students free iPads. Future widespread physician adoption is necessitated by today’s medical students viewing it as an indispensable tool as they train.

Click below to view the infographic.

Kevin Pho is an internal medicine physician and on the Board of Contributors at USA Today.  He is founder and editor of KevinMD.com, also on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and LinkedIn.